by Staff Writer
Wednesday, 25th June 2025
Michail Antonio's return to international football ended in disappointment after Jamaica were knocked out of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The Reggae Boyz needed to secure victory in their final group fixture, against Panama in Austin's Q2 STadium, in order to stand of chance of continuing their involvement in the tournament, having been beaten 1-0 in their opening game against Guatemala and subsequently beating Guadeloupe 2-1.
However a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of the Central Americans put paid to Jamaica's chances of retaining an interest in the Gold Cup, mostly due to a first half hat-trick from Universidad Católica winger Ismael Diaz who scored his goals in the 4th, 17th and 45th minute - the latter form the penalty spot.
Antonio was introduced in the 72nd minute as a replacement for Aston Villa's Leon Bailey, with the score at 3-1. The final nail in Jamaica's coffin was added by Tomas Rodriguez in the 89th minute, a result that left Jamaica third in qualifying Group C behind winners Panama and Guatemala, both of whom proceed to the next phase of the competition.
It was the West Ham striker's 24th cap for the Caribbean country and his third since returning from the serious injury sustained as a result of a major car accident last winter - since when he has not pulled on a West Ham shirt. Antonio's current contract with the Hammers expires on Monday (30 June).
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